Only Human (Themis Files #3)(25)

—Tell me about their army.

—Really? There isn’t much more to say other than what I’ve already told you. We didn’t exactly go on a tour of their military. They have a shit ton of robots. We’ve seen some transport ships, but they said they had … Are you listening to anything I’m saying?

—I’m sorry. We’re gonna have to do this another time.

—What is it?

—It’s … not good. We have a bit of a problem.

—What kind of problem?

—Your daughter.

—Has she done anything?

—Well, she’s gone. I suppose that’s something.

—What do you mean, gone? Where?

—Hmmm. That was gonna be my question. Where is she?

—How the hell should I know? You have me locked in a room all day. I’m not even allowed to see her.

—That’s a bit of an overstatement, Vincent. That room isn’t locked, it’s well guarded. There’s a difference. But you do have a point. Let’s say I believe you. Dr. Franklin was also in her room. Besides, I really don’t think she’s the prison-break type. Are you sure it’s not you?

—What? No. Yes, I’m sure.

—Fine. It wasn’t you. It would just be so much better if it were you.

—Why’s that?

—Because if it’s not your people who broke her out, then it has to be one of my people. You can see how that’s a problem, can’t you? Yesterday, I had three people who could pilot Themis. Three pilots. Now one of them is dead and one’s— —Ekim’s dead?

—Oops! I forgot to tell you, didn’t I? He is very dead. He died two days ago. From cat poo, no less.

—You should have let him go. I told you to let him go home!

—You were serious about that? Well, had I known … We’d have let the alien kid go, with Themis, because why not? That certainly would have solved my pilot problem. Because now … Now Eva’s gone missing. I’m not supergood at math, but I know that robot needs two pilots and three minus two is less than that. As if that weren’t enough, it would appear I have a traitor working for me … CHYORT VOZ’MI! I’m sorry. I’m a little ticked off at the moment. Do you know how much trouble I’m gonna be in for this? I had to fill out three forms just to talk to her. Imagine the paperwork for losing her altogether. We’re, like, not supposed to lose people. That’s a big no-no. It’s kind of our thing, really.

—Am I supposed to feel sorry for you?

—You could! That would be nice. I could use a hug. You could also help me find her before this gets any worse.

—Why would I do anything to help you?

—Good question. There doesn’t seem to be any, does there? I mean, right now you’re just happy she found a way out of here. Right? About five seconds from now, you’ll realize she now has the entire Russian Army and secret service after her. You’ll think: Hmmm, my daughter isn’t the most restrained person in the world. I hope she doesn’t do anything stupid when they catch up to her. And they will, they’re very good at finding people. Soon—OH! I think it’s happening! Now you have this mental image of her getting shot eight hundred times and— —You so much as touch her, and I’ll— —Oh, for God’s sake, Vincent! Run that through in your head one more time! Are you sure that’s the right play? The words you’re looking for are: “Please, Katherine! Pretty please! Isn’t there anything you can do?”

—Is there?

—NO! Not unless I find her first! Are you sure you don’t know where she is? Where would she go to? Where would she hide?

—In Russia? She’s never … We’ve never been here. She doesn’t know anything. She’d have no idea where to go.

—She left you a note.

—What did it say?

—It said: “Dad, how the hell could Katherine possibly know what I wrote? She just found out about the note.”

— …

—Don’t worry, you can have it, after everyone else takes a look at it.





FILE NO. EE066—PERSONAL FILE FROM ESAT EKT


Personal log—Eva Reyes and Vincent Couture


Location: Aptakt Market, Etyakt region


—Yours sees the world in only two dimensions. These ones are born and ready for adoption.

—Eva?

—What?

—Why are you telling me? I wrote the clue. I already know what it is.

—I’m just thinking out loud, Dad. I don’t get it. It’s hard.

—It’s a treasure hunt. It’s supposed to be hard. Otherwise, it’s a treasure stroll or something.

—You still haven’t told me what’s in that jar.

—I’ll tell you when you figure out this clue.

—What’s in the jar?

—Really, Eva?

—I wanna know!

—A couple strands of hair.

—Yours?

—Yeah, mine. Do you think I go around cutting other people’s hair for no reason?

—I don’t know! … Do I really need to ask?

—Ask what?

—Dad! Why do you have your hair in a jar?

—Oh. That. You’ll see.